Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

12 minutes ago, Golfgal51 said:

Taylor....an old weight loss warrior here. I am 67 with a BMI of 33. I am getting a sleeve on Thursday, July 5 th. I have been diabetic for 10 years .... never weighted over 130 until menopause and diabetes. According to a seminar put on by Kaiser Permanente 85% of people who diet gain their weight back. Much higher rate of success with a sleeve and bypass. Remember....it is a “tool”. The one thing i would strongly suggest is to see a Bariactric Nutritionist .... I met with mine for 6 months prior to surgery. I feel I am totally ready, educated and prepared. Good Luck....and open your mind about Mexico...much success with their programs.

Hey GolfGal :)

Firstly thank you for sharing your story with me and congrats on your Sleeve surgery coming up! I also have Kaiser and would LOVE to attend that seminar. If you don't mind me asking what state are you in and is Kaiser covering your WLS or did you use an outside source? Also will you be receiving your sleeve in Mexico? I've been getting a lot of good feedback on getting WLS there. Thank you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Screwballski said:

I too just had my lap band removed and now have a sleeve. That was over a decade of Band Hell I could have done without.
I would never recommend a Band. Many Doctors will no longer do them, mine included.

Thank you for your input! I've been hearing a lot of the same thing when it comes to the band, I'm definitely more interested in the sleeve now and believe thats the route ill be taking. How do you like your sleeve? What was your recovery time and how much success have you had?

Thank you (:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 07/01/2018 at 20:02, taylor2021 said:





Thank you for your input! I've been hearing a lot of the same thing when it comes to the band, I'm definitely more interested in the sleeve now and believe thats the route ill be taking. How do you like your sleeve? What was your recovery time and how much success have you had?




Thank you (:


I am a little over 5 weeks out. When I was revised from Band to Sleeve my BMI was 30 and I weighed 180. I’m now at 160 (my original goal). I’m going for 140 now. The surgery was a breeze. No surgical pain. The only reason I needed any pain meds was due to an old back injury getting jostled from surgical positioning. Other than that I was fine. Up an walking as soon as I was steady after recovery. Had a morning surgery on May 17th. Was home walking around by noon May 18th. Tanning (with a towel over belly) and running errands with hubby by 20th!
I’m so happy!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 06/29/2018 at 07:18, Matt Z said:









Hey Taylor (don't worry about not taking my advise, I wont' get offended and call you out for making your own decisions.)



I hit 370 sometime in 2010 and decided to do something about it. I chose the band, the sleeve wasn't fully approved yet, and the bypass scared me. The idea of it being permanent changes to my anatomy bothered me. I wanted something that could be removed at a future date. So, I went with the band.



Nov 2011, I had the band installed. Surgery wasn't that big of a deal, I was kept overnight because I have sleep apnea. Pain was moderate but tolerable. After what was covered by insurance, I was out of pocket somewhere around the 5k mark. I took 2 months out of work, mainly because I had to drive to and from Boston, and travel times were minimum 1 hour, upwards of 4 hours, so I wanted to be 100% healed before doing all that driving. I followed all the instructions I was given, got my fills and adjustments as required, and ultimately lost 70 lbs within a year or so. (combined with the pre-op diet etc).



I'd get stuck on things maybe once or twice a week. Leafy greens and other fibrous veggies that didn't chew down to "baby food" were uncomfortable enough where I started to avoid them. I got stuck on lean meats, etc. So I got frustrated that, the healthy foods I was supposed to be eating, caused issues thanks to the band.



I gained a bit back, then fought to lose it again, this happened a few times. I never could break that 300 mark, no matter what I did. The band was easily eaten around, things I shouldn't be eating... were the things that didn't cause issues. I became depressed, I felt like a failure, the band was reported to have all these amazing benefits... and I wasn't seeing them, I stopped checking in with my surgeon unless I needed some adjustments due to illness or getting stuck badly enough where my stomach swelled up. I was still way too overweight, wasn't eating as well as I should be, I just wasn't happy with how things were not living up to the bands reported outcomes. After almost 7 years with the band, I finally dragged myself back into my surgeons office, defeated, and I confessed to my surgeon that I was a failure. Boy was I surprised when she told me that my outcomes and dealings were typical, and that it wasn't me that was the problem, it was the band. She went out to tell me that 2 of the major manufacturers have stopped making bands and replacement parts for them. We discussed our options for revision, I was set on the sleeve. My surgeon said she refuses to do band to sleeve revisions because the staple line for the sleeve runs right across the band area, and that scar tissue build up at the band site increases the chances for staple line failure. She advised that others in the same practice would do the sleeve revision, but she won't because of the added complication rates. I trust my surgeon, and I really wanted her to do the revision because she installed the band in the first place. So, I pondered for a bit and finally decided that the bypass, as scary as it sounded, was my best option. Restriction only didn't work for me with the band, why would I think that restriction only with the sleeve would be any different. I needed the malabsorption to ensure that I would lose the weight I needed to.



March 2nd I started my pre-op diet, March 21st I was revised to the bypass and I'm down almost 60 lbs since March 2nd. I truly wish I went bypass from the get go. The revision surgery was not uneventful. What should have taken 2 hours, took 6+. My band, even though all scans, imaging, scoping showed nothing wrong, the band was 100% completely encapsulated in scar tissue and took my surgical team more than 3 times longer to remove. I'm not even sure what would have happened if I left it in place.



Hopefully that answers some of your questions, if you have more, please feel free to shoot me a message.


Matt-my clinic, Newton Wellesley dies not offer the band. They feel it fails the patient. They say at the new patient seminar that it is really hard because it doesn’t remove the hunger, and that isn’t long term successful. I’m sorry you had a long road and I hope the bypass is more successful for you!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 06/30/2018 at 17:21, newmebithebypass said:

So if your willing to travel don’t know where you live but Johns Hopkins does a procedure called the epigastric sleeve it’s really new and they basically use surgical thread to sew your stomach into a sleeve it’s completely reversible and would be good for someone your BMI as it is less invasive
That would not remove the hunger hormones the same way the sleeve does though.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had a BMI if 35 plus diabetes. Without a co morbidity you need a BMI of 40. Just try regular diet. This weight loss surgery is tough. I would only do it if I needed it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@taylor. Don't give up easily if your insurance tries to put up a roadblock for you. Also, not all co-morbidities are created equally. Some have life-long consequences while others may fade away after surgery.

Don't rely on your insurance company's website. Talk to a real-live someone (on the phone) and have them explain your benefits to you. Ask questions. Have them email or send you your benefits so you can see them in print. If you don't get satisfactory answers after you call, call back. And keep calling. Ask for a supervisor. Be a squeaky wheel if you have to. Involve your primary doctor. Have him/her be an advocate for why this surgery is necessary for you. Your big gun, of course, is your endocrinologist. S/he is the one who's a specialist in PCOS and diabetes. If Kaiser turns you down, appeal it. Have your endo intervene on your behalf. It's in your insurance company's best interest to frustrate you; they want you to give up and go away. It saves them thousands of dollars.

Do your parents have an H.M.O. or a PPO?

My daughter is a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and understands her PCOS from a medical viewpoint. Because I also have a medical background and because she was diagnosed as a teenager, it's a disease known to us for years. My daughter is in her 30s now.

Edited by Missouri-Lee's Summit

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

47 minutes ago, Missouri-Lee's Summit said:

@taylor. Don't give up easily if your insurance tries to put up a roadblock for you. Also, not all co-morbidities are created equally. Some have life-long consequences while others may fade away after surgery.

Don't rely on your insurance company's website. Talk to a real-live someone (on the phone) and have them explain your benefits to you. Ask questions. Have them email or send you your benefits so you can see them in print. If you don't get satisfactory answers after you call, call back. And keep calling. Ask for a supervisor. Be a squeaky wheel if you have to. Involve your primary doctor. Have him/her be an advocate for why this surgery is necessary for you. Your big gun, of course, is your endocrinologist. S/he is the one who's a specialist in PCOS and diabetes. If Kaiser turns you down, appeal it. Have your endo intervene on your behalf. It's in your insurance company's best interest to frustrate you; they want you to give up and go away. It saves them thousands of dollars.

Do your parents have an H.M.O. or a PPO?

My daughter is a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and understands her PCOS from a medical viewpoint. Because I also have a medical background and because she was diagnosed as a teenager, it's a disease known to us for years. My daughter is in her 30s now.

You guys come from a medical background, thats awesome. Thank you for all of your help, I really appreciate it. My parents insurance is an PPO. My aunt is actually a director of nursing at one of the Kaisers out here and I worked at one of the locations as a med-tech for a couple of years. My aunt is trying to set me up with a good endocrinologist as we speak. Yeah, kaiser can be VERY frustrating so I'm not expecting this to be easy. Before I was diagnosed with PCOS I was desperately trying to find answers and didn't get a proper diagnosis until a couple years after I started complaining to my doctor about what was going on with me. So I know first hand how dismissive they can be but I'm going to try as hard as I can because I REALLY want the WLS. Everyone on here is saying not to dismiss WLS in Mexico but I'd be more comfortable if I got it done at Kaiser as I've always had them as my healthcare provider but again they are very STRICT. I'm not going to give up. Thank you for the encouragement:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@taylor. Two of my sons are medical doctors, so, yes, it helps. You can imagine all the medical support I get from my kids.

Edited by Missouri-Lee's Summit

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@taylor. Has your thyroid been tested? I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. They'll only find it if they do an antibody test. When your aunt hooks you up with a new endo, have him/her check out your thyroid, too. A sluggish thyroid can make losing weight harder, too. It's in your best interest to make a strong case for yourself. I hope you find a good endo.

I adore my endo. He's kind, patient, and very knowledgeable. Not your typical "doorknob doctor" --doctors that have one hand around the doorknob, ready to bolt.

Edited by Missouri-Lee's Summit

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

11 minutes ago, Missouri-Lee's Summit said:

@taylor. Two of my sons are medical doctors, so, yes, it helps. You can imagine all the medical support I get from my kids.

That's amazing. I'm sure they love to help, It sounds like you've done an awesome job as their mother :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Missouri-Lee's Summit said:

@taylor. Has your thyroid been tested? I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. They'll only find it if they do an antibody test. When your aunt hooks you up with a new endo, have him/her check out your thyroid, too. A sluggish thyroid can make losing weight harder, too. It's in your best interest to make a strong case for yourself. I hope you find a good endo.

I adore my endo. He's kind, patient, and very knowledgeable. Not your typical "doorknob doctor" --doctors that have one hand around the doorknob, ready to bolt.

It has not. I will definitely have them check it out hopefully that will help my case. Again, you've been great, thank you so much for all of your knowledge and kindness. I hope to get as lucky as you with a great Endo because the lord KNOWS I've had it up to here with the doorknob Docs!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@taylor. We mothers can't help ourselves. We have a compulsion to (s)mother anyone young enough to be our own.

I'm glad my info helped in some small way.

Now... go to your room, young lady! It's getting late, and you need your sleep.< /em>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

24 minutes ago, Missouri-Lee's Summit said:

@taylor. We mothers can't help ourselves. We have a compulsion to (s)mother anyone young enough to be our own.

I'm glad my info helped in some small way.

Now... go to your room, young lady! It's getting late, and you need your sleep.

lol (salutes) Yes Ma'am!

Sweet dreams and hope to see you in the forums! (:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Taylor

One other suggestion, based on your family's history with diabetes, and your low BMI.

You might ask you doctor about taking a weight loss drug such as Victoza.

It will lower your A1C, and will reduce hunger. It also slows food movement through stomach. There are different dosage levels, the higher are used for weight loss.

I've considered it when my weight loss on the band slows done, but haven't felt the need to go that as of yet... however, it an alternative to surgery. There are medical weight loss forums on Bariatric Pal.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×